The third Sunday in June is once again upon us, which means it’s time to celebrate the man who has raised you, loved you, and taught you how to navigate the big, wide word. Dad’s are the ultimate role models and while they deserve recognition each and every day of the year, the least we can do as children, is to take this one special day set aside just for Dad, and do something wonderful. What will you be doing for your Dad? Read on for some great ideas!

Breakfast in Bed:

You know what they say. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So why not capitalize on that? Make Dad his favorite breakfast served up with a strong cup of joe (yeah, all you scrubs clad nurses know exactly how important that early morning brew is!), and the morning paper. Ahhhh, now that’s the perfect start to a perfect day!

Make It a Family Thing:

Round up the masses! Get the entire family together even if everyone is all grown up and living their own lives. Father’s Day is a family affair, so head out to the beach or choose a beautiful scenic park to spend the day at. And you obviously need activities, so bring along a ball, fishing rods if there’s a lake, a picnic so you can have a relaxing family lunch, and a grill so you can end the day with a barbecue bash!

Photo Time:

Feeling sentimental? Rummage through that stack of old photos collecting dust down in your parents’ basement, and put together a fun, little scrapbook highlighting your favorite childhood memories. Dad will love it; guaranteed!

Pen a Letter:

A letter is forever! Write down everything you’ve ever wanted to tell your Dad, (the positive, of course!), then seal it with a kiss and watch his eyes mist over as he reads how you truly feel about him. A material gift is nice and all, but a letter from the heart is worth more than the most expensive present you can get him!

Say It With Words:

Before the day is over, make sure to walk up to your Dad, give him your biggest bear hug, and say the words, “I love you!” out loud! That’s all your Dad really wants on his big day; the reassurance that his children love him and that he’s set them on a path for success.

We can all use a little extra cash. I mean, who can’t?? Maybe you need the cash for that summer getaway you’ve been fantasizing about, or maybe you want to buy your man a little something special in honor of his upcoming birthday. Or maybe (I should say probably!) you just need more money to get by day to day! Here are a few ways you nurses can pull in some extra cash. Happy spending!

Extra Shifts:

Need extra cash? Work an extra shift. Yup, it’s as simple as that! Just inform your supervisor that you’re interested in taking on additional shifts, and you’re good to go! In some hospitals, you can sign up for those extra shifts through a web based system. Best. Thing. Ever! Another option? Work ‘per diem’ shifts, which means on a day by day basis. Go through a nursing staff agency, and once again you can generally manage your schedule through a web based system.

Medical Transcription:

Medical transcription involves transcribing the digital voice recordings of dictated medical reports. There’s a catch, though: You will have to invest a little upfront as you need the proper certification in order to take such a job. But figure out all the technicalities and you’re all set to work from the comfort of your own home! I’d tell you that you can work in your pajamas, buuuut between me and you, those medical scrubs you wear everyday fall into the sleepwear category…just saying!

Clinics:

You might just come to love flu season, thanks to the cash flow it can generate for you. Before flu season hits try and get yourself a job administering flu shots at the local schools, a senior home etc. Do your research, check with nurse staffing agencies, or with your local health agency. Something might turn up that’ll send you straight on that mid-winter vacation you were hoping to take!

Call Center Nursing:

Call center nursing is exactly what it sounds like! You sit at a desk, answer phone calls, and offer your expert advice on medical issues people may have. Most private health clinics, as well as insurance companies offer advice lines for their clients. That’s your lead; go make your phone calls now!

Surveys and Focus Groups:

Paid, of course! It does require a little effort on your part, though; namely signing yourself up with as many websites as possible. Done? Okay. Now sit back and watch as those emails start flooding your inbox. Don’t complain, you asked for it! You’ll be invited to complete surveys and join focus groups. You really can earn a pretty penny from such a hobby, and the initial legwork involved won’t cost you a thing. Hey, why not give it a try??

The options are endless. And you can even take a job that’s (gasp!) not medical related. Hey, summer’s approaching; why not open up a lemonade stand;)

While Memorial Day may conjure up images of lazy beach days and family barbeques, it’s really about honoring and commemorating those brave souls in uniform who gave their lives supporting this glorious country. Yes, the veterans deserve this day…along with the military nurses who silently went along with them for the sole purpose of saving the lives of those injured. Thought Memorial Day wasn’t about you, huh? You couldn’t be more wrong! Read on for some fascinating facts on military nurses, and perhaps you’ll be inspired to take a moment to remember your sisters and brothers who entered the bloody war zone for the sake of this country’s heroes.

Over 10,000 nurses were sent on a two week journey by ship to serve in WWI.

Between 200 and 300 nurses actually died during WWI. While some contracted illnesses which took their lives, others unfortunately were killed by the enemy as well as in military accidents.

Thought you had a lot on your plate when you took your first real nursing job? It wasn’t all spanking new scrubs and shiny stethoscopes for the graduating nurses in the 1960’s and 1970’s. They were shipped straight off to Vietnam (where they had to serve for a minimum of one year) and treated injuries the likes of which you will never see.

In 1901 the Army Nurse Corp. became an official division of the Army Medical Department. And within the Army Nurse Corp. there are a total of ten (yup, ten!) different specialty branches.

Military nurses were not spared the horrors of POW status. For three years, 67 Army nurses and 16 Navy nurses were held captive by the Japanese.

In Washington D.C. near the Vietnam Memorial stands a tribute to all those valiant nurses who have served in war. Made of bronze, the commemorative statue depicts a nurse doing her life’s work; caring for a wounded soldier. Go visit it someday, it’ll be well worth it!

Enjoy this Memorial Day Weekend, but think about why it was established in the first place!

They say that coffee fuels the nation. I couldn’t agree more! And if you’re a tired, scrubs clad medical professional reading this, I’m sure you’re nodding your head in agreement while trying not to burn your tongue on- what is it?- your 4th cup of coffee? My, my…do you even know what goes into each cup? Just kidding, I’m not going to lecture you on the good, the bad, and the ugly. After all, what kind of a medical professional would you be if I forced you to give up your daily dose (doses?) of caffeine. But since coffee IS a major part of your life, I am going to offer you some coffee fun facts. Get your energy on!

1. Oil is the number one sold commodity in the world. And guess what comes in second place: you got it- COFFEE.

2. The average American, (and no, that probably doesn’t include the overworked medical professional,) consumes approximately 3.1 nine ounce capacity cups of coffee a day. Don’t even bother trying to get your tired brain to do the math, I’ll do it for you…that’s a whopping 1,132 cups of coffee per drinker per year. And it’s probably more for you!

3. Good news: A recent study found that drinking coffee midlife leads to lower chances of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. Uh-oh, I think I may have misplaced my stethoscope…time for another hot java!

4. Hesitant about adding that creamer to your cup of joe for fear of it getting cold too soon! Don’t be; it’ll keep your coffee hotter for a longer period of time. What?? Yup, thicker liquids (like coffee with cream) evaporate at a slower rate than thinner liquids. So if your shift is particularly crazy, it would serve you well to add a bit of creamer!

5. Drinking coffee before doing exercise will give your workout routine an extra jolt. And if you consider running around during a shift to be an exercise routine (which I obviously do!) then don’t even think about giving up that pre-shift coffee.

There you have it; now you have a conversation piece to share with the 83% of Americans who drink coffee, and, of course, your sleep deprived colleagues!

April is almost behind us, which mean it’s time to usher in those gorgeous May flowers. Quick heads up: I’m not just talking about the flowers in your garden, but in your wardrobe as well! Say what? Yup, floral is all the rage this spring, and you, my dear nurses, will NOT be left behind as this fashion trend sweeps the runway. That’s right; you can purchase your nursing scrubs in fun, vibrant, and beautiful floral patterns, and here’s how to wear them. Bring on that FLOWER POWER!

Prints Please:

Think all florals are the same? Well, think again! There are many, and I mean MANY floral prints to choose from. So step 1: Choose the print that best suits you. Is simple and sophisticated your thing? Then you want a fine print scrub featuring dainty flowers. And you there; you look like you’re looking to make a statement. In that case, I suggest you go with a vibrant piece featuring big, bold, eye catching flowers. Let your medical scrubs speak for you!

Work That Palette:

You’ve chosen a print, I gather. Now comes the big, ‘what do I pair it with?’ The goal is to create a cohesive look, so once you’ve chosen your print, you’ll want to pick out a color from the pattern and stick with it. Not sure what I’m getting at? Take the Dickies Everday Scrubs mock wrap scrub top. Notice it’s got that nice burst of hot pink going on? Good; now run with it. Pair it with hot pink medical scrub pants and a bright pink lip. Voila, you are looking trèstrès chic and ready to strut your stuff down the catwalk! Tip: If you’re not sure which color to choose in order to pull your killer ensemble together, then go for a neutral. These colors include black, white, grey, beige etc. Think of it as a safety net; you can’t go wrong!

Accessorize:

It’s totally okay if you’re scared to go full on floral right away; baby steps are good too. So what can you do to ease your way into this trend? Accessories! Wear those flowers on your bag, wallet, hair accessory, jewelry….you name it, it has got to have flowers! Remember accessories can make or break your look, and a great accessory will go a very long way!

Flowers are fun! And pretty! And statement making! And all over the fashion scene! In other words, I want to see all you fabulous nurses in flowers. Cheers to May!

Resume. Check! Interview. Uhhhh….Don’t worry, the same way I showed you how to write up the perfect resume, I’m going to show you how to dress the part for that interview you are bound to get. Yup, I’m that confident in you! It’s not rocket science, it’s getting dressed; but while your amazing resume (ahem!) may have opened the door for you, the way you dress will either let you pass through that door, or promptly slam it in your face. Listen well, you nurses to be!

Clothing:

Rule #1: Leave the nursing scrubs at home. Yes, even if you just bought yourself that adorable, printed scrub top. If you’re serious about getting the job, you have to take your appearance seriously, because the potential employer most certainly will. A nice pair of dress pants with a collared shirt will do the trick, or even a structured suit. Word of advice: If you choose to wear a skirt, make sure it’s no shorter than one inch above your knee cap. Modesty is a virtue that your employer will look out for.

Shoes:

The dress code in most healthcare settings calls for closed toe nursing shoes. They’re considered more sanitary and come across as a lot more professional than open toe shoes. What does this mean for your interview? Wear closed toe shoes. You want to send the right vibe.

Accessories:

Less is more when it comes to accessories for interviews. And once again, think about the dress code. If dangling earrings are not allowed, make sure to leave those at home for the interview as well. Choose nice studs instead. Be sure to wear a watch as well. Aside for providing you with the time without having to look at your phone, (which, mind you, should be on silent and stashed away,) it also tells the potential employer that you’re well prepared for the job. Watches with second hands are used to check different vitals such as pulse and respiration.

Hair and Nails:

As with closed toe shoes, hair that is pulled back is considered more sanitary and more professional in most healthcare settings, because you don’t want it getting in the way while you work with patients. You know what that means for the interview, don’t you? If you have long hair, keep it pulled back; it’ll make you seem more credible. The same goes for nails. Keep them short, clean, and polish free for that all too important interview.

It’s a tough job market today. Shocker? I think not. Job opportunities are few and far between, with layoffs and budget cuts more prevalent than ever. Scary part is, the health industry is no exception; I’m talking to you, nurses. You can get through the crisis, though! If you have the right qualifications and can get yourself noticed, then you have a better chance at landing the job you want. In other words, you need a GREAT resume. And here’s how to make yours stand out from the rest!

Cover Letters ARE Important:

Yup, it’s the good old cover letter. Seems simple, huh? Yet you wouldn’t believe how many people send in resumes without a cover letter. This is your first impression, so to speak. It tells the potential employer why he/she should even take time out of his/her precious schedule to look through your resume. If you can draw them in, you already have an advantage.

What Are Your Qualifications?:
Tell them about yourself. Tell them why they should give you the position over the next applicant. This is the goal in summarizing your qualifications. And give it your all; from your educational and professional background, to your short and long term objectives. You have to make them want YOU! Having a new set of nursing scrubs hanging in your closet waiting for your first day of work just won’t cut it.

Be YOU:

Yes, you may have patched up a friend while on vacation out in who knows where. Guess what, though? That absolutely does not count as international nursing experience. (I know, I know…you wish it did.) You don’t want to mislead anyone by twisting the truth even just a teeny, tiny bit. Nursing is serious business and whatever you put on your resume has got to be real! Bottom line is: be YOU, and just play up and highlight the skills you know for a fact you have.

Flow Is Everything:

Applying for a job, particularly one as serious as a nursing job, is in essence a competition. Which means you’ve got to be on top of your game. Make sure your resume is neat, organized, chronologically correct, and understandable. If it’s not, it’ll be chucked to the side and the potential employer will move on to the next one.

Research As Much As You Can:

It’s not one resume fits all. Find out about your potential employer, and see what he/she is looking for in an applicant. Like this you’ll know if it’s important to highlight certain areas over others, or whether to leave out certain information.

No one said it will be easy. You’ll probably have to keep a few different versions of your resume. Once you land that coveted job, though, and can proudly flaunt your spanking, new medical scrubs, you’ll realize that all the resume hassle was well worth it. Sending love to all you job hunting nurses!

If you were stranded on a remote island somewhere halfway across the world, and you were allowed 5 personal items of your choice, what would they be?? Just kidding, I’m not going to play this game with you. I will, however, tell you the five must-haves every nurse needs to get through her shift. And I mean NEED; as in you can’t get through your shift without them. So just keep a mental list in your mind, and run through it before each shift. You’ll be thanking me soon enough!

Scrubs:

You can’t do your job if you don’t have scrubs. The end. Having a few sets of durable, stain resistant scrubs that can withstand all that goes on in a hospital setting; i.e. germs, blood, and a slew of other ‘not-too-pretty’ stuff, as well as rigorous washings, is a necessity. In fact, I can recommend the perfect set: the Cherokee Workwear 4801 mock wrap along with the Cherokee Workwear 4101 flare leg pant will serve you well, and both pieces are quite chic, to boot. Here’s a helpful hint: Keep a freshly laundered set of scrubs in your car or locker in the event that you need an emergency spare set!

Stethoscope:

People talk about ‘tools of the trade,’ and the tool of YOUR trade is none other than the stethoscope. Regardless of the setting you work in, you need a good, solid stethoscope; nothing cheap or disposable. Listening to your patient’s lungs and heart is the ABC’s of a proper physical assessment, so make sure you’re doing it right!

Shoes:

You will be on your feet for a solid 12 hours, which warrants only the best footwear has to offer. Your shoes must be comfortable, durable, and supportive. What you can’t control is the fact that your feet will hurt when you get home; what you can control is how badly they’ll hurt. You may have to make a bit of an investment for a quality pair of nursing shoes, but it’ll be an expense well worth it.

Pens, Pencils and More:

Writing may be archaic these days, but you still need a functioning pen, pencil, Sharpie, and dry erase marker on hand at all times. The worst feeling ever is having to write something down and not having the proper writing tool. Even worse is having to run from station to station looking for that elusive pen, pencil or whatnot. The scrubs manufacturers make it easy for you these days, as most scrub tops and bottoms come equipped with multiple pen slots. So no more excuses!

Alcohol Swabs:

You work in a hospital setting, which means there are germs literally everywhere. Having a stash of alcohol pads on hand, to wipe down items like your stethoscope or an IV port, will help keep the environment as sterile as possible.

Here you have it: If you were stranded in a hospital and were told you must cover a shift, these are the 5 must-have items you would request!

You’ve got that amazing pregnancy glow, the adorable baby bump, you’ve been taking it easy and – oh, you’re a nurse? Then forget the last part. I’m sure you’ve got the glow and the cute belly, but working as a nurse involves time on your feet; lots of time on your feet. And the world of nursing is quite the busy one. How then, can you care for yourself properly so that those all important nine months go by smoothly and comfortably? Read on to find out!

Pamper Your Feet

Carrying a baby is no small ‘feet’ (I had to!) and coupled with the typical nursing shift, you’re bound to have even more aches and pains than your average mama-to-be. You can take steps (pun intended!) though, to reduce the pressure you exert on your feet, by having the dad give you a gentle massage every day after work. A 10-20 minute foot massage can really make all the difference. In fact, according to the Journal of Nursing Practice, women in late pregnancy who received daily 20-minute foot massages had a smaller leg circumference. So bye-bye bloated ankles and hello dainty flats. (Just kidding, you should try and wear supportive shoes throughout.) Another great idea- compression stockings. They really help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis which pregnant women are 4-5 times more likely to develop.

Bring On The Water

No, I do not mean the tears, even though that too is a normal part of pregnancy. What I mean is for you to drink up. Drink, drink, drink; it’s good for you. Even if it means constantly running to the bathroom. Another spin on this? Go for a swim! Floating around in a swimming pool can do wonders for you! It’s the only place you’ll feel weightless, and besides, it’s a non-jarring workout routine. Take a morning swim and you’ll find that you’re energized and ready to tackle your day with full confidence!

Take a Whiff

What’s the biggest pregnancy gripe? Nausea and vomiting of course! There is relief, though. By regularly inhaling the essential peppermint and lavender oils, you can drastically reduce the level of nausea and vomiting you may experience in early pregnancy. A good idea is to inhale these oils twice a day, preferably before napping or sleeping.

Comfort Is Key

Gone are the days where you’re forced to figure out how to squeeze your pregnant self into regular fit scrubs. Times have changed and there are now maternity scrubs to accommodate your growing baby bump. Made with super comfy stretch panels so that they grow along with you, and available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and prints, you’ll forget that you’re wearing a maternity medical uniform.

Be Your Own Advocate

Take control of your body and your baby, and speak up! While pregnancy isn’t a free pass to neglect your responsibilities, you are entitled to be as comfortable as possible. So if anything makes you uncomfortable, or if you are concerned about the well being of your pregnant self or your unborn baby, you have every right to let your voice be heard.

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, and being a nurse is no contradiction to that, as long as you make the most of it.

Who? What? Where? When? How? Yup, today, March 14th, is the official day for asking questions; all sorts of questions. And remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. ( I know you may be thinking otherwise, but in honor of the day, let’s roll with the ‘no such thing as a stupid question’ thing!) In fact, asking is the best way to learn and grow. Questions, though, are not just about satisfying your own inner desire to be in the know, it can also be a means for helping others, particularly if you’re in the business of wearing medical scrubs. Yes, all you nurses know just how important question asking is when it comes to dealing with patients. Believe it or not, sometimes it’s the questions that offer the best sort of medicine, not the answers. So what sort of questions should you be asking? The four P’s!

Personal Hygiene Needs:

One of the worst aspects of being confined to a hospital bed is the diminishing lack of a sense of self. And a major cause for this, is the neglect of personal hygiene. The problem, though, is that it doesn’t happen because the patient doesn’t care; it happens because the staff doesn’t care to help him/her fulfill those needs. So what does this mean for you? (Wow, I’m really getting into the spirit here!) Ask the patient: Do you need to use the restroom? Would you like to take a shower (if he/she is capable of showering)? Basically, make sure your patient doesn’t have to live without whatever personal hygiene you find sacred in your own life.

Positioning:

Ever woke up with a stiff neck? Or had your foot fall asleep because it was stuck in the same position for waaaay too long. Not too comfortable, huh? Well guess what? A bedridden patient feels this way almost all the time. Which is why it is so important to ask your patient if he/she wants his bed adjusted, his pillows fluffed, or maybe even ask if they want to sit in a real chair at the window for a little while. The monotony of being stuck in a single position is mind-numbingly exhausting. But remember, you’ve got to ask, because there’s a good chance the patient won’t!

Pain:

Asking about pain is pretty standard. But you can make a difference by saying it with meaning and showing that you really, truly care. Another simple way to address your patient’s pain is by asking, “What is one thing that will make your day easier and make the pain just a tad more manageable?” You’d be surprised by what your patients will say. They might just want an extra blanket, or even some juice. Little things can make all the difference!

Personal Items:

You know how important personal items are. You even love all those pockets in your Everyday Scrubs by Dickies 82156 drawstring pants, because they’re a great place to store those personal accessories. For a patient, any reminder of normal, home life is a major welcome in the sterile hospital environment, which is why it’s so important to take note of the personal items the patient brings in. Ask your patient if all his/her personal items, such as a cell phone, picture frame etc. are in the right place. You wouldn’t want your patient reaching out to get something that is in fact out of reach and then subsequently falling. Besides, by asking about personal items it gives the patient the sense that you see them as a person outside of the hospital’s four walls.

Bottom line is, you’ve got to ask, ask, ask! You can make all the difference in the life of someone else, just by asking a few simple questions!